trench

noun

ˈtrench How to pronounce trench (audio)
Definition of trenchnext
as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth dug a trench and filled it with water in an attempt to keep the forest fire off her property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trench The four-floor flagship is currently under restoration, with the building wrapped in hoarding featuring Burberry’s signature trench. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 Ninety-five episodes later, Arthur was back in the acting trenches again. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026 Construction workers are currently restoring and building rail links between Oxford and Cambridge, and as part of that work, archaeologists are excavating trenches across southern England. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 Elsewhere alarmed Palestinian farmers—witnessing the growing trench tearing them away from their lands—surround the vehicles. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trench
  1. ditch
  2. gutter
  3. ravine
Noun
  • The city later determined that roughly 300 gallons of ferric chloride, diluted with reuse water, had flowed into a drainage ditch, the report said.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • The last-ditch appeal to his humanity worked; Henderson allegedly stopped, got dressed and left, according to court records.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • Artificial snow is piled up in their gutters, smoke seems to billow from the chimneys on the roofs and the windows of the cottages are filled with moving models of colorful creatures from the films.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • According to the ordinance, the remaining work includes paving unpaved roads, installing curbs and gutters, sidewalks, ADA ramps, retaining walls, roadway markings and signs, and removing trees where needed.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of gutter
Noun
  • The bus, which was carrying passengers from Sétif to the Algerian capital, skidded in the locality of El Karma, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Algiers, before plunging into a deep ravine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Both vehicles went into a nearby ravine and the tree line, a police report said.
    — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of ravine

Phrases Containing trench

Browse Nearby Words

tremulous
trench
trenchancy
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Cite this Entry

“Trench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trench. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trench

Nglish: Translation of trench for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trench

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